Medical endoscope device and medical observation system

ABSTRACT

There is provided a medical endoscope device including: an encoding processing unit configured to compression-encode RAW image data of a medical captured image of an observation target captured by an imaging device that is inserted into a body of a patient and captures an image of an inside of the body; and a transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit the compression-encoded RAW image data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority PatentApplication JP 2017-234812 filed Dec. 7, 2017, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a medical endoscope device and amedical observation system.

In recent years, medical endoscope devices that enable observationtargets such as affected areas to be enlarged and observed forperforming endoscopic surgery have been used in medical sites. In thissituation, technologies related to endoscope devices that wirelesslytransmit images captured by imaging devices have been developed. As sucha technology, for example, there is a technology disclosed in JP2010-509990T.

SUMMARY

An operator, or the like who uses a medical endoscope device, forexample, performs medical practice while viewing a display screen onwhich a medical captured image captured by the medical endoscope deviceis displayed. Thus, when a situation in which image data indicating themedical captured image is compression-encoded and thecompression-encoded image data is transmitted in wireless communicationis assumed, transmitting the image data with low latency isadvantageous.

The present disclosure proposes a novel and improved medical endoscopedevice and medical observation system that enable image data indicatinga compression-encoded medical captured image to be transmitted with lowlatency.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda medical endoscope device including: an encoding processing unitconfigured to compression-encode RAW image data of a medical capturedimage of an observation target captured by an imaging device that isinserted into a body of a patient and captures an image of an inside ofthe body; and a transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit thecompression-encoded RAW image data.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thereis provided a medical reception device including: a reception unitconfigured to wirelessly receive compression-encoded RAW image dataobtained by compression-encoding RAW image data of a medical capturedimage of an observation target captured by an imaging device that isinserted into a body of a patient and captures an image of an inside ofthe body; and a signal processing unit configured to process thereceived compression-encoded RAW image data.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, thereis provided a medical observation system including: a medical endoscopedevice including an encoding processing unit configured tocompression-encode RAW image data of a medical captured image of anobservation target captured by an imaging device that is inserted into abody of a patient and captures an image of an inside of the body, and atransmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit thecompression-encoded RAW image data; and a medical reception deviceincluding a reception unit configured to wirelessly receive thecompression-encoded RAW image data, and a signal processing unitconfigured to process the received compression-encoded RAW image data.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible totransmit image data indicating a compression-encoded medical capturedimage with low latency.

Note that the effects described above are not necessarily limitative.With or in the place of the above effects, there may be achieved any oneof the effects described in this specification or other effects that maybe grasped from this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of aconfiguration of the medical observation system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of transmissionof image data indicating a medical captured image in a case in which theimage data is not compression-encoded;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of transmissionof image data indicating a medical captured image in a case in which theimage data is compression-encoded;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an errorcaused by compression-encoding;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an errorcaused by compression-encoding in a case in which a compression-encodingmethod according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device and a medical receptiondevice according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device and a medical receptiondevice according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device and a medical receptiondevice according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device and a medical receptiondevice according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device and a medical receptiondevice according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device and a medical receptiondevice according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device and a medical receptiondevice according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure willbe described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Notethat, in this specification and the appended drawings, structuralelements that have substantially the same function and structure aredenoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation ofthese structural elements is omitted.

In addition, description will be provided in the following order below.

-   1. Medical observation system according to present embodiment-   [1] Configuration of medical observation system-   [2] Transmission method according to present embodiment-   [3] Configurations of medical endoscope device and medical reception    device according to present embodiment-   [4] Example of effects exhibited when medical observation system    according to present embodiment is used-   2. Program according to present embodiment

(Medical Observation System According to Present Embodiment)

-   [1] Configuration of medical observation system

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical observation system 1000 according to thepresent embodiment of the present disclosure. The medical observationsystem 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 has, for example, a medical endoscopedevice 100, a medical reception device 200, and a display device 300.

Note that the medical observation system according to the presentembodiment is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 1.

The medical observation system according to the present embodiment mayfurther have, for example, a control device (not illustrated) thatcontrols various operations of the medical endoscope device 100. As thecontrol device (not illustrated), for example, an arbitrary apparatusthat can perform a process of a transmission method according to thepresent embodiment such as a “medical controller,” or a “computer suchas a server” is exemplified. In addition, the control device (notillustrated) may be, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) that can beincorporated into the above-described apparatus.

In addition, the medical observation system according to the presentembodiment may have a plurality of “medical endoscope devices 100 andmedical reception devices 200” and display devices 300. In the case inwhich a plurality of “medical endoscope devices 100 and medicalreception devices 200” are included, each of the “medical endoscopedevices 100 and medical reception devices 200” performs transmissionusing a transmission method which will be described below.

In addition, in a case in which the medical observation system accordingto the present embodiment has a plurality of “medical endoscope devices100 and medical reception devices 200” and display devices 300, the“medical endoscope devices 100 and medical reception devices 200” andthe display devices 300 may be associated with each other one to one, ora plurality of “medical endoscope devices 100 and medical receptiondevices 200” may be associated with one display device 300. In the casein which a plurality of “medical endoscope devices 100 and medicalreception devices 200” are associated with one display device 300, thedisplay device 300 can switch the medical endoscope device 100 that hascaptured an image to be displayed on a display screen by performing, forexample, a switching operation or the like.

In addition, the medical observation system according to the presentembodiment may have a plurality of medical endoscope devices 100associated with one medical reception device 200. In the case in which aplurality of medical endoscope devices 100 are associated with onemedical reception device 200, the medical reception device 200 mayswitch the medical endoscope device 100 to perform wireless transmissiontherewith by performing, for example, a switching operation or the like.

In addition, the medical observation system according to the presentembodiment may not have the display device 300. Even in the case inwhich the medical observation system according to the present embodimentdoes not have the display device 300, the medical observation systemaccording to the present embodiment can transmit image data indicating acompression-encoded medical captured image with low latency using atransmission method according to the present embodiment which will bedescribed below.

[1-1] Display Device 300

The display device 300 is a display section of the medical observationsystem 1000, and corresponds to an external display device with respectto each of the medical endoscope device 100 and the medical receptiondevice 200. The display device 300 displays various images, for example,medical captured images (moving images or a plurality of still images;the same applies below) captured by the medical endoscope device 100,images relating to a user interface, and the like. In addition, thedisplay device 300 may be capable of performing 3D display. Display bythe display device 300 is controlled by, for example, the medicalendoscope device 100, the medical reception device 200, or the controldevice (not illustrated).

The display device 300 of the medical observation system 1000 isinstalled in an arbitrary place at which the display device can bevisually recognized by a person relating to surgery such as an operatorwithin an operating room, for example, a wall surface, a ceiling, afloor of the operating room. As the display device 300, for example, aliquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display, acathode ray tube (CRT) display, or the like is exemplified.

Note that the display device 300 is not limited to the above-describedexample.

The display device 300 may be an arbitrary wearable device worn on thebody of an operator or the like for use, for example, a head-mounteddisplay, an eyewear-type device, or the like.

The display device 300 is driven by, for example, power supplied from aninternal power supply included in the display device 300 such as abattery, power supplied from a connected external power supply, or thelike.

[1-2] Medical Endoscope Device 100

The medical endoscope device 100 is a medical apparatus to be used inendoscopic surgery. The medical endoscope device 100 has the function ofan endoscope and at least a function of transmitting signals wirelessly.In addition, the medical reception device 200 has at least a function ofreceiving signals transmitted from the medical endoscope device 100wirelessly.

In a case in which the medical endoscope device 100 is used duringsurgery, an operator (an example of a user of the medical endoscopedevice 100) observes an operative site while referring to a medicalcaptured image captured by the medical endoscope device 100 and beingdisplayed on the display screen of the display device 300, and performsvarious treatments such as a procedure appropriate for the surgery typeon the operative site.

The medical endoscope device 100 includes, for example, an insertionmember 102, and a camera head 104. The medical endoscope device 100 isdriven by, for example, power supplied from an internal power supplyincluded in the medical endoscope device 100 such as a battery, powersupplied from a connected external power supply, or the like.

The insertion member 102 has an elongated shape and includes an opticalsystem that collects incident light. In addition, in a case in which themedical endoscope device 100 has a function of capturing stereoscopicimages (medical captured images for the right eye and medical capturedimages for the left eye), for example, the insertion member 102 mayinclude an optical system for capturing medical captured images for theright eye and an optical system for capturing medical captured imagesfor the left eye.

The tip of the insertion member 102 is inserted into, for example, abody cavity of a patient. The rear end of the insertion member 102 isdetachably connected to the tip of the camera head 104. In addition, theinsertion member 102 receives supply of light from, for example, a lightsource provided in the camera head 104 or an external light source. Inthe case in which light is supplied from an external light source, theinsertion member 102 is connected to the external light source via alight guide and receives supply of light from the external light sourcevia the light guide.

The insertion member 102 may have, for example, a material having noflexibility or of a material having flexibility. The medical endoscopedevice 100 can be called a rigid endoscope or a flexible endoscopedepending on a material forming the insertion member 102.

Light supplied to the insertion member 102 is injected from the tip ofthe insertion member 102 and radiated to an observation target such as atissue in a body cavity of a patient. In addition, light reflected fromthe observation target is collected by the optical system inside theinsertion member 102.

The camera head 104 includes, for example, an image sensor and has afunction of capturing observation targets. The insertion member 102 andthe camera head 104 of the medical endoscope device 100 play a role of,for example, an “imaging device that is inserted into the body of apatient and captures an image of the inside of the body.”

In addition, the camera head 104 includes, for example, an encodingprocessing circuit and has a function of performing the processes of thetransmission methods which will be described below.

In addition, the camera head 104 includes, for example, a transmitterand has at least a function of transmitting signals wirelessly. Notethat the transmitter may be an external transmitter connected to thecamera head 104.

A configuration example of the camera head 104 will be described below.

The medical endoscope device 100 has the function of an endoscope and atleast the function of transmitting signals wirelessly since it includes,for example, the camera head 104 and the transmitter.

[1-3] Medical Reception Device 200

The medical reception device 200 includes, for example, a receiver andis a device having at least a function of receiving signals transmittedfrom the medical endoscope device 100 wirelessly.

In addition, the medical reception device 200 includes, for example, asignal processing circuit and has a function of processing signalsreceived by the receiver. In one example of signal processing of thesignal processing circuit, the signal processing circuit performs, forexample, a decoding process of decoding compression-encoded image data.In addition, the signal processing circuit may perform various kinds ofprocessing that can be performed on medical captured images, forexample, a demosaic process for adjusting RAW image data (e.g.,arbitrary processing for adjusting color, brightness, and the like basedon RAW image data; the same applies below), enlargement or reduction ofimages relating to an electronic zoom function, inter-pixel correction,and the like.

In addition, the medical reception device 200 may include, for example,a communication device and have a function of controlling display of thedisplay device 300. For example, the medical reception device 200transmits image data processed by the signal processing circuit and adisplay control signal to the display device 300 through thecommunication device (not illustrated) and thereby controls display ofthe display device 300.

As the communication device included in the medical reception device200, for example, an IEEE 802.15.1 port and a transmission/receptioncircuit (wireless communication), an IEEE 802.11 port and atransmission/reception circuit (wireless communication), a communicationantenna and a radio frequency (RF) circuit (wireless communication), anoptical communication device (wired communication or wirelesscommunication), a local area network (LAN) terminal and atransmission/reception circuit (wired communication), or the like areexemplified. The communication device may be capable of communicatingwith one or two or more external devices using a plurality ofcommunication methods.

Note that functions of the medical reception device 200 are not limitedto the above-described examples. The medical reception device 200 canhave various functions, for example, a function of recording a medicalcaptured image based on image data processed by the signal processingcircuit in an arbitrary recording medium, and the like.

An example of a configuration of the medical reception device 200 willbe described below.

[2] Transmission Method According to Present Embodiment [2-1] Overviewof Transmission Methods According to Present Embodiment

In medical endoscope devices of recent years, amounts of image dataindicating medical captured images have tended to increase resultingfrom, for example, high resolution of imaging devices, high frame rates,stereoscopy, mounting of additional devices for observing special lightincident on the imaging devices, and the like. Image data indicating amedical captured image may be simply referred to as “image data” below.

When amounts of image data increases as described above, powerconsumption of the medical endoscope device increases accordingly. Inaddition, since an amount of heat generation increases due to theincrease of power consumption, the sizes of members (e.g., the size ofthe camera head constituting the endoscope device) constituting themedical observation device should be increased in order to deal withheat. Therefore, an increase in amounts of image data is disadvantageousfor miniaturizing the medical endoscope device.

Here, as a first method of reducing amounts of image data,compression-encoding of the image data is conceivable.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of transmissionof image data indicating a medical captured image in a case in which theimage data is not compression-encoded. In addition, FIG. 3 is anexplanatory diagram illustrating an example of transmission of imagedata indicating a medical captured image in a case in which the imagedata is compression-encoded. In FIGS. 2 and 3, image sensors included inthe imaging devices are denoted by “sensor.” In addition, in FIGS. 2 and3, transmitters are denoted by “TX,” and receivers are denoted by “RX.”

In the case in which image data indicating a medical captured image isnot compression-encoded, for example, the image data is transmitted fromthe transmitter to the receiver on a 4-lane communication path T asillustrated in FIG. 2.

On the other hand, in a case in which image data indicating a medicalcaptured image is compression-encoded at a compression ratio of 1/4, thecompression-encoded image data is transmitted from the transmitter tothe receiver on one lane of the communication path T, for example, asillustrated in FIG. 3. In addition, in a case in which image data iscompression-encoded at a compression ratio of 1/8, the image dataindicating a medical captured image functioning as a stereo image can betransmitted on one lane of the communication path T.

By compression-encoding the image data as illustrated in FIG. 3, forexample, the amount of the image data can be reduced in accordance withthe compression ratio and degradation of the quality of the decodedmedical captured image can be prevented.

In addition, as a second method of reducing amounts of image data,transmitting RAW image data of a medical captured image captured by animaging device is conceivable. RAW image data according to the presentembodiment is, for example, image data that has yet to undergo ademosaic process.

Here, as advantages of transmitting RAW image data, for example,advantages described in (A) and (B) below are exemplified.

(A) First Advantage of Transmitting RAW Image Data

A transmission amount can be reduced in a case in which RAW image datais transmitted more than in a case in which demosaic-processed imagedata is transmitted as will be shown in the following example. Inaddition, since an amount of RAW image data is smaller than when it hasundergone a general demosaic process (YCbCr=4:2:2), a load ofcompression and transmission becomes smaller, and as a result,transmission with low latency occurs.

A transmission amount in a case in which 4K RAW data (in a Bayer array,10 [bits], and a frame rate of 59.94 [p]) is transmitted with nocompression: about 5.3 [Gbps]

A transmission amount in a case in which demosaic-processed data withYCbCr=4:2:2 (of 10 [bits], and a frame rate of 59.94 [p]) is transmittedwith no compression: about 10 [Gbps]

That is, when RAW data (in a Bayer array) is compared with generaldemosaic-processed data (with YCbCr=4:2:2), the RAW data (of the Bayerarray) can have about half (about 0.5 times) the transmission ratethereof. Thus, when it is assumed that RAW image data (in a Bayer array)and general demosaic-processed image data (with YCbCr=4:2:2) arecompressed and transmitted under a similar condition, the RAW image data(in Bayer array) can realize a lower transmission rate with higher imagequality or higher quality.

Here, by realizing a lower transmission rate with higher image quality,for example, transmission with high image quality is possible even withdevices of low transmission rates. In addition, by realizing a lowertransmission rate with high quality, for example, the marginal portionof transmission can be redirected to stable wireless transmission(robust optimization).

(B) Second Advantage of Transmitting RAW Image Data

RAW image data is image data of which information of light at the timeof imaging is retained inside the imaging device as it is withoutadjustment, that is, pre-processed image data that has not undergone ademosaic process or the like. Thus, by transmitting RAW image data, adevice on the reception side can perform adjustment of hue, brightness,and the like without degrading the image quality, and can adjustexposure and white balance later. In addition, the device on thereception side can perform an arbitrary demosaic process and processingon the RAW image data.

Thus, in the medical observation system 1000, the medical endoscopedevice 100 compression-encodes RAW image data indicating a medicalcaptured image and wirelessly transmits the compression-encoded RAWimage data. That is, in the medical observation system 1000, the medicalendoscope device 100 performs compression-encoding on RAW image datawithout performing the demosaic process. In the medical observationsystem 1000, the demosaic process is performed by the medical receptiondevice 200 as will be described below. RAW image data indicating amedical captured image is sometimes referred to simply as “RAW imagedata” below.

When compression-encoded RAW image data is transmitted wirelessly, boththe effect exhibited by using the first method of reducing an amount ofthe image data and the effect exhibited by using the second method ofreducing an amount of the image data are exhibited.

Thus, the medical observation system 1000 realizes transmission ofcompression-encoded image data indicating a medical captured image withlower latency.

Here, when compression-encoding RAW image data indicating a medicalcaptured image and then transmitting the compression-encoded RAW imagedata in wireless communication is assumed, it may be necessary tofurther reduce the influence of an error caused by thecompression-encoding.

Therefore, next, an example of a compression-encoding method accordingto the present embodiment to be applied to the medical endoscope device100 will be described. Note that it is a matter of course that acompression-encoding method to be applied to the medical endoscopedevice 100 is not limited to the following example.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an errorcaused by compression-encoding. FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates an erroroccurring in a case in which an entire medical captured image with 4Kresolution (4096×2160 pixels) of a certain frame (an example of anentire frame image) is compression-encoded.

In the case in which the entire medical captured image iscompression-encoded as illustrated in, for example, FIG. 4, when anerror occurs in the course of compression-encoding, it is not possibleto decode pixels from the pixel at which the error occurs to the finalpixel of the frame to be processed after the occurrence of the error.That is, in the case in which the entire medical captured image iscompression-encoded, the influence of the error occurring in the courseof the compression-encoding is propagated to all pixels processed afterthe occurrence of the error.

Thus, the medical endoscope device 100 compression-encodes the RAW imagedata indicating a medical captured image by each predetermined unit thatis smaller than the medical captured image.

As the predetermined unit according to the present embodiment, forexample, the unit of a plurality of lines of the medical captured image,such as every 16 lines, is exemplified. Here, the predetermined unit maybe a preset fixed unit or a variable unit that can be changed on thebasis of an operation of a user using the medical observation system1000, an operation state of a predetermined medical apparatus, or thelike.

Note that the predetermined unit according to the present embodiment isnot limited to a unit of a plurality of lines of a medical capturedimage. The predetermined unit according to the present embodiment maybe, for example, a block unit that includes a plurality of pixels and issmaller than the entire medical captured image. Hereinbelow, a case inwhich the predetermined unit according to the present embodiment is aunit of a plurality of lines of a medical captured image will beexemplified. In addition, hereinbelow, the predetermined unit defined asa unit of a plurality of lines of a medical captured image may beindicated as a “slice unit.”

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of an errorcaused by compression-encoding in a case in which thecompression-encoding method according to the present embodiment isapplied. FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an error occurring in a case inwhich an entire medical captured image of 4K resolution of a certainframe is compression-encoded, as in FIG. 4.

In a case in which a medical captured image is compression-encoded by aslice unit (an example of a predetermined unit), for example, asillustrated in FIG. 5, even if an error occurs in the course of thecompression-encoding, propagation of the error stops at a slice unit inwhich the error has occurred, and the influence thereof does not spreadto slice units processed thereafter.

Therefore, the medical endoscope device 100 can reduce the amount of theRAW image data while further reducing the influence of the error causedby the compression-encoding by compression-encoding the RAW image datausing the compression-encoding method according to the presentembodiment.

In addition, in a case in which the medical captured image iscompression-encoded by a smaller predetermined unit, for example, likethe slice unit as illustrated in FIG. 5, the time taken to performcompression-encoding by the predetermined unit becomes shorter than inthe case in which the entire medical captured image iscompression-encoded as illustrated in FIG. 4. Therefore, in the case inwhich the compression-encoding method according to the presentembodiment is used, the compression-encoded RAW image data can betransmitted with lower latency than in the case in which the entiremedical captured image is compression-encoded as illustrated in FIG. 4.In addition, such transmission of image data with low latency isbeneficial when medical staff performing medical practice while viewinga decoded medical captured image are taken into account.

[3] Configurations of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to Present Embodiment

Next, examples of configurations of the medical endoscope device and themedical reception device according to the present embodiment to whichthe above-described transmission methods according to the presentembodiment can be applied will be described. Note that examples ofconfigurations of the medical endoscope device and the medical receptiondevice according to the present embodiment are not limited to thefollowing examples. For example, each of the medical endoscope deviceand the medical reception device according to the present embodiment mayalso employ a configuration obtained by combining the followingexamples.

[3-1] Configurations of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to First Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of the medical endoscope device 100 and the medicalreception device 200 according to a first embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Note that, in FIG. 6, the hardware configuration of thecamera head 104 that performs the processes of the transmission methodsaccording to the present embodiment out of the hardware configuration ofthe medical endoscope device 100 is illustrated.

[3-1-1] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device 100 According to FirstEmbodiment

The camera head 104 included in the medical endoscope device 100includes, for example, a sensor 110, an encoding processing circuit 112,a transmitter 114, a battery 116, and a light source 118.

In addition, the camera head 104 may further include, for example, arecording medium (not illustrated) on which data to be used by theencoding processing circuit 112 in processing is recorded. As therecording medium (not illustrated), for example, a flash memory, a readonly memory (ROM), or the like is exemplified. Note that the recordingmedium (not illustrated) may be included in another constituent elementincluded in the camera head 104, such as the encoding processing circuit112. In addition, the recording medium (not illustrated) may be anexternal recording medium of the medical endoscope device 100.

[3-1-1-1] Sensor 110

Each of the sensor 110, the encoding processing circuit 112, thetransmitter 114, and the light source 118 is electrically connected tothe battery 116 (an example of an internal power supply) and operateswith power supplied from the battery 116. As the battery 116, forexample, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery orthe like is exemplified.

The sensor 110 images an observation target by photoelectricallyconverting light reflected from the observation target collected by theinsertion member 102 and transfers RAW image data obtained from theimaging (RAW image data indicating a medical captured image) to theencoding processing circuit 112. As the sensor 110, for example, animage sensor in which a plurality of image sensor elements such ascomplementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOSs) or charge coupleddevices (CCDs) are used is exemplified.

In addition, for example, in a case in which the insertion member 102includes two optical systems (an optical system for capturing medicalcaptured images for the right eye and an optical system for capturingmedical captured images for the left eye), the sensor 110 transfersfirst RAW image data of a medical captured image for the right eye andsecond RAW image data of a medical captured image for the left eye tothe encoding processing circuit 112.

[3-1-1-2] Encoding Processing Circuit 112

The encoding processing circuit 112 is a circuit functioning as anencoding processing unit of the medical endoscope device 100 andcompression-encodes RAW image data. The encoding processing circuit 112performs, for example, a process of the compression-encoding methodaccording to the present embodiment and compression-encodes RAW imagedata by each predetermined unit that is smaller than a medical capturedimage.

Note that a process of the encoding processing circuit 112 is notlimited to the above example. The encoding processing circuit 112 mayperform, for example, a process of a first example introduced in (1) anda process of a fifth example introduced in (5) below.

(1) First Example of Process of Encoding Processing Circuit 112

The encoding processing circuit 112 compression-encodes RAW image dataat a plurality of different compression ratios. Since the encodingprocessing circuit 112 compression-encodes RAW image data at a pluralityof different compression ratios, the medical endoscope device 100obtains a plurality of pieces of RAW image data compressed at differentcompression ratios.

(2) Second Example of Process of Encoding Processing Circuit 112

The encoding processing circuit 112 performs compression-encoding at acompression ratio corresponding to a state of electronic zoom of theimaging device.

Electronic zoom of the medical endoscope device 100 is a zoom method ofchanging a zoom magnification by performing image processing on amedical captured image, for example, without moving a lens included inthe optical system of the insertion member 102. Image processing onmedical captured images for electronic zoom, such as enlarging an imageby appropriately performing various processes like an interpolationprocess, is performed by a reception side device, for example, themedical reception device 200, or the like.

In a case in which electronic zoom is performed, there is no need tophysically move a zoom lens included in the optical system, unlike in acase in which optical zoom is performed, zoom magnifications are changedthrough image processing, and thus zoom magnifications arediscontinuously changed. Thus, in the case in which electronic zoom isperformed, there is an advantage that zoom can be discontinuouslychanged to a desired zoom magnification within a shorter time than inthe case in which optical zoom is performed.

In the case in which electronic zoom is performed, the encodingprocessing circuit 112 cuts out a partial region of a medical capturedimage and then compression-encodes RAW image data corresponding to thecut-out region at a compression ratio corresponding to the state ofelectronic zoom.

A compression ratio corresponding to the state of electronic zoom isdetermined on the basis of, for example, one or both a size of thecut-out region and a magnification of the electronic zoom.

A size of the cut-out region and a magnification of the electronic zoomare acquired from an external device, for example, the medical receptiondevice 200, an external operation device such as a remote controller, orthe like. Data indicating a size of the cut-out region and dataindicating a magnification of the electronic zoom can be received using,for example, a reception function of the transmitter 114, which will bedescribed below. That is, the transmitter 114 can function also as areceiver for the camera head 104. Note that it is a matter of coursethat the camera head 104 may further include a receiver that can receivesignals transmitted from the outside.

To exemplify a case in which a compression ratio is determined on thebasis of a size of the cut-out region and a magnification of theelectronic zoom, the encoding processing circuit 112 determines acompression ratio by referring to, for example, a “table (or database)in which sizes of cut-out regions, magnifications of electronic zoom,and compression ratios are associated with each other” which is storedin a recording medium (not illustrated). Note that the encodingprocessing circuit 112 may determine a compression ratio correspondingto one or both of a size of the cut-out region and a magnification ofthe electronic zoom by performing, for example, an arithmetic operationof an arbitrary algorithm with which a compression ratio can bedetermined in accordance with one or both of the size of the cut-outregion and the magnification of the electronic zoom.

To give a specific example, the encoding processing circuit 112compression-encodes RAW image data at a compression ratio of 1/4 sincethe data amount becomes 1/4 when the magnification of electronic zoom istwo times. In addition, it is also possible for the encoding processingcircuit 112 not to compression-encode RAW image data in accordance witha size of the cut-out region or a combination of a size of the cut-outregion and a magnification of the electronic zoom.

(3) Third Example of Process of Encoding Processing Circuit 112

In a case in which first RAW image data of a medical captured image forthe right eye and second RAW image data of the medical captured imagefor the left eye are transferred from the sensor 110, the encodingprocessing circuit 112 compression-encodes each of the first RAW imagedata and the second RAW image data.

(4) Fourth Example of Process of Encoding Processing Circuit 112

When a place in which the medical observation system 1000 is used, suchas the field of surgery, is assumed, for example, wireless transmissionstates are likely to be affected by the following factors:

Noise of a transmitting apparatus (noise of both a transmission sideapparatus and a reception side apparatus);

Interference of noise emanated from a treatment device such as anelectrical scalpel or bipolar forceps;

Interference of electromagnetic noise emanated from light emitting diode(LED) lighting equipment, various distribution cables for distributingsatellite broadcasting and the like, a clinical sensor, an access pointof a wireless LAN (base station), a telemeter telecontroller, a nursecall input/output (I/O), or the like;

Radio interference or the like that occurs when the same channel (samefrequency) is used in close places;

Weak (low) radio wave intensity;

Separation distance between antennas (e.g., the limit of the separationdistance is about 100 m for IEEE 802.11ac (5 GHz) and about 10 m forIEEE 802.11ad (60 GHz)); and

Physical shield between antennas (e.g., radio waves at a high frequencylevel of IEEE 802.11ad (60 GHz) do not go through when shielded by ametallic object, a human, or the like).

Thus, the encoding processing circuit 112 can change a way ofcompression-encoding of RAW image data on the basis of a wirelesstransmission state.

The following, for example, are examples of changing a way ofcompression-encoding by the encoding processing circuit 112. Note thatit is a matter of course that examples of changing a way ofcompression-encoding by the encoding processing circuit 112 are notlimited to the following examples.

Changing a compression ratio to one corresponding to a wirelesstransmission state

Changing a predetermined unit to a unit corresponding to a wirelesstransmission state

Switching whether an error correction code is to be added in accordancewith a wireless transmission state

A combination of two or more of the above

The encoding processing circuit 112 specifies a way ofcompression-encoding in accordance with a wireless transmission state byreferring to, for example, a “table (or database) in which wirelesstransmission states are associated with data indicating a way ofcompression-encoding” stored in a recording medium (not illustrated). Inaddition, the encoding processing circuit 112 may specify a way ofcompression-encoding in accordance with a wireless transmission state byperforming, for example, an arithmetic operation of an arbitraryalgorithm with which a way of compression-encoding can be determined inaccordance with a wireless transmission state.

Then, the encoding processing circuit 112 compression-encodes RAW imagedata in the specified way of compression-encoding in accordance with thewireless transmission state.

By changing a way of compression-encoding in accordance with a wirelesstransmission state as described above, for example, switching to a waywith stronger error resistance is realized while taking a transmissionenvironment into account.

The encoding processing circuit 112 specifies a wireless transmissionstate, for example, on the basis of a result of bidirectionalcommunication with the medical reception device 200 and thus changes away of compression-encoding of RAW image data. Bidirectionalcommunication with the medical reception device 200 is realized by, forexample, the transmitter 114, which will be described below, having thereception function. Note that it is a matter of course that the camerahead 104 may further include a receiver that can receive signalstransmitted from the outside as described above.

To give a specific example, the encoding processing circuit 112 acquiresa transmission amount (transmission speed) using a wireless transmissionprotocol (e.g., a transmission of a ping command, a response to a pingcommand, and the like) and specifies a transmission state correspondingto the transmission amount. Then, the encoding processing circuit 112compression-encodes RAW image data in a way of compression-encoding inaccordance with the specified wireless transmission state. Atransmission state corresponding to the transmission amount isdetermined by referring to, for example, a “table (or database) in whichtransmission amounts are associated with compression ratios” stored in arecording medium (not illustrated). Note that the encoding processingcircuit 112 may specify a transmission state corresponding to thetransmission amount by performing, for example, an arithmetic operationof an arbitrary algorithm with which a transmission state can bedetermined in accordance with the transmission amount.

Note that a specification method for a wireless transmission state isnot limited to the above-described example.

For example, the encoding processing circuit 112 can also specify atransmission state on the basis of the comparison result of a setreference value and an actual transmission value of the transmitter 114and thus change a way of compression-encoding of RAW image data.

To give a specific example, when a reference value is set to a value a[bps] indicating a transmission speed and an actual transmission valueis set to b [bps], the encoding processing circuit 112 obtains atransmission rate by performing an arithmetic operation using, forexample, the following formula 1.

Transmission rate[%]=(b/a)×100   Formula 1

Then, the encoding processing circuit 112 changes a way ofcompression-encoding of RAW image data using the obtained transmissionrate.

To give a specific example, in a case in which a=400 [Mbps] and b=100[Mbps], the encoding processing circuit 112 obtains the transmissionrate=25 [%] through the above formula 1. Here, the transmission rate 25[%] means that the transmission speed is only a quarter of the expectedvalue. Thus, the encoding processing circuit 112 can change a way ofcompression-encoding of RAW image data by setting, for example, thecompression ratio to quadruple or the like.

(5) Fifth Example of Process of Encoding Processing Circuit 112

The encoding processing circuit 112 may perform two or more processes tobe combined among the process of the first example introduced in (1) tothe process of the fourth example introduced in (4) above.

[3-1-1-3] Transmitter 114

The transmitter 114 is a circuit that functions as a transmission unitin the medical endoscope device 100 and wirelessly transmitscompression-encoded RAW image data transferred from the encodingprocessing circuit 112.

As the transmitter 114, a communication device compatible with wirelesscommunication in an arbitrary communication method, for example, an IEEE802.15.1 port and a transmission/reception circuit, an IEEE 802.11 portand a transmission/reception circuit, a communication antenna and an RFcircuit, an optical communication device (for wireless communication),or the like is exemplified. The transmitter 114 can have the function ofa receiver as described above. In addition, the transmitter 114 includesa processor, and also can perform a process relating to an operation,which will be described below, with the process.

Note that, the medical endoscope device 100 can also include acommunication device compatible with wired communication in an arbitrarycommunication method such as an optical communication device (for wiredcommunication) or a LAN terminal and a transmission/reception circuit,as will be described below.

Note that an operation of the transmitter 114 is not limited to theabove-described example. The transmitter 114 may perform, for example,an operation of a first example introduced in (i) to an operation of afifth example introduced in (v) below.

(i) First Example of Operation of Transmitter 114

In a case in which the encoding processing circuit 112 performs theprocess of the first example introduced in (1) above, that is, in a casein which RAW image data is compression-encoded at a plurality ofdifferent compression ratios, the transmitter 114 transmitscompression-encoded RAW image data corresponding to a wirelesstransmission state of the RAW image data compression-encoded at theplurality of compression ratios.

Through the operation of the first example performed by the transmitter114, the medical endoscope device 100 realizes, for example,“transmission performed such that transmission of data with lowcompression is prioritized and it is switched to transmission of datawith high compression when a wireless transmission state is bad. Inaddition, by switching from transmission of data with low compressioninto transmission of data with high compression in accordance with awireless transmission state as described above, the medical observationsystem 1000 maintains the transmission state of RAW image data with lowlatency even in a case in which a transmission rate deteriorates.

Here, the wireless transmission state is specified by, for example, theencoding processing circuit 112 as described above. Note that thewireless transmission state may be specified by the transmitter 114.

In a case in which only compression-encoded RAW image data correspondingto the wireless transmission state of the RAW image datacompression-encoded by the encoding processing circuit 112 at theplurality of compression ratios is transferred from the encodingprocessing circuit 112, for example, the transmitter 114 wirelesslytransmits the compression-encoded RAW image data transferred from theencoding processing circuit 112.

In addition, in a case in which RAW image data compression-encoded atthe plurality of compression ratios is transferred from the encodingprocessing circuit 112, the transmitter 114 selects compression-encodedRAW image data corresponding to the wireless transmission state from thetransferred compression-encoded RAW image data and wirelessly transmitsthe selected compression-encoded RAW image data.

(ii) Second Example of Operation of Transmitter 114

The transmitter 114 transmits compression-encoded RAW image data atdifferent frequencies.

More specifically, the transmitter 114 transmits, for example,compression-encoded RAW image data at different frequencies at the sametime. By transmitting compression-encoded RAW image data at differentfrequencies at the same time, a possibility of the medical receptiondevice 200 being able to receive the compression-encoded RAW image datacan be raised.

In addition, the transmitter 114 may transmit the compression-encodedRAW image data at, for example, any one frequency of the plurality offrequencies.

To give an example, the transmitter 114 transmits compression-encodedRAW image data at a frequency corresponding to a wireless transmissionstate. By transmitting compression-encoded RAW image data at a frequencycorresponding to a wireless transmission state among a plurality offrequencies, the medical endoscope device 100 can transmit thecompression-encoded RAW image data more stably while further reducingpower consumption for the transmission of the compression-encoded RAWimage data.

To give another example, the transmitter 114 can also transmitcompression-encoded RAW image data at a frequency corresponding to anoperation state of a predetermined medical apparatus. As a predeterminedmedical apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, atreatment device such as an electrical scalpel or bipolar forceps isexemplified.

In a case in which a predetermined medical apparatus operates, there isa possibility of a generated electric field affecting communicationbetween the transmitter 114 and a receiver (which will be describedbelow) included in the medical reception device 200 depending on anoperation state of the predetermined medical apparatus.

Thus, the transmitter 114 performs transmission at a frequencycorresponding to an operation state of a predetermined medicalapparatus. An operation state of a predetermined medical apparatus isacquired through, for example, communication with another predeterminedmedical apparatus (or a control device controlling the predeterminedmedical apparatus).

The transmitter 114 specifies a frequency for an operation state of thepredetermined medical apparatus by referring to, for example, a “table(or database) in which operation states of predetermined medicalapparatuses are associated with frequencies” stored in a recordingmedium (not illustrated). In addition, the transmitter 114 may specify afrequency for an operation state of the predetermined medical apparatusby performing, for example, an arithmetic operation of an arbitraryalgorithm with which a frequency can be determined in accordance with anoperation state of a predetermined medical apparatus.

By transmitting the compression-encoded RAW image data at a frequencycorresponding to an operation state of the predetermined medicalapparatus among the plurality of frequencies, the medical endoscopedevice 100 can transmit the compression-encoded RAW image data morestably while further reducing power consumption for the transmission ofthe compression-encoded RAW image data.

To give another example, the transmitter 114 can also transmitcompression-encoded RAW image data at a frequency corresponding to awireless transmission state and an operation state of a predeterminedmedical apparatus.

(iii) Third Example of Operation of Transmitter 114

In a case in which the encoding processing circuit 112 performs theprocess of the third example introduced in (3) described above, that is,“a case in which compression-encoded first RAW image data of a medicalcaptured image for the right eye and compression-encoded second RAWimage data of a medical captured image for the left eye are transferredfrom the encoding processing circuit 112,” the transmitter 114wirelessly transmits each of the compression-encoded first RAW imagedata and the compression-encoded second RAW image data.

Note that an operation of the transmitter 114 in a case in which theencoding processing circuit 112 performs the process of the thirdexample introduced in (3) above is not limited to the above-describedexample.

For example, the transmitter 114 may stop transmission of thecompression-encoded first RAW image data or the compression-encodedsecond RAW image data on the basis of a wireless transmission state.When the transmitter 114 stops transmission of one of thecompression-encoded first RAW image data and the compression-encodedsecond RAW image data on the basis of a wireless transmission state, themedical endoscope device 100 can transmit the compression-encoded RAWimage data more stably.

The medical endoscope device 100 according to the first embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6.

Note that a configuration of the medical endoscope device 100 accordingto the first embodiment is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 6.

For example, the transmitter 114 may be provided in the medicalendoscope device 100 according to the first embodiment as a separatebody from the camera head 104. By providing the transmitter 114 as aseparate body from other constituent elements such as the camera head104, substitution (so-called replacement) of the transmitter 114 can beeasier. Thus, by providing the transmitter 114 as a separate body fromother constituent elements, the medical endoscope device 100 can change,for example, reliability in communication, a communication distance, atransmission capacity (communication speed), an error correction method,a communication method, and the like more flexibly. That is, if themedical endoscope device 100 has a replaceable transmitter 114, forexample, version upgrade for hardware relating to communication becomeseasier, and thus the medical endoscope device 100 can respond to theevolution of communication more flexibly.

[3-1-2] Configuration of Medical Reception Device 200 According to FirstEmbodiment

The medical reception device 200 includes, for example, a receiver 210and a signal processing circuit 212.

In addition, the medical reception device 200 may further include, forexample, a recording medium (not illustrated) on which data to be usedby the signal processing circuit 212 in processes is recorded. As therecording medium (not illustrated), for example, a flash memory, a ROM,or the like is exemplified. Note that the recording medium (notillustrated) may be an external recording medium of the medicalreception device 200.

[3-1-2-1] Receiver 210

The receiver 210 is a circuit that functions as a reception unit of themedical reception device 200 and wirelessly receives compression-encodedRAW image data.

As the receiver 210, for example, a communication device compatible withwireless communication of an arbitrary communication methodcorresponding to the transmitter 114 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 is exemplified. Note that the medical reception device 200can also include a communication device compatible with wiredcommunication of an arbitrary communication method, such as an opticalcommunication device (for wired communication) or a LAN terminal and atransmission/reception circuit, as will be described below.

[3-1-2-2] Signal Processing Circuit 212

The signal processing circuit 212 is a circuit that functions as asignal processing unit of the medical reception device 200 and processesreceived compression-encoded RAW image data.

The signal processing circuit 212 performs, for example, a decodingprocess of decoding compression-encoded RAW image data. In addition, thesignal processing circuit 212 performs a demosaic process on decoded RAWimage data. Furthermore, the signal processing circuit 212 may performvarious processes that can be performed on medical captured images suchas enlargement or reduction of images relating to the electronic zoomfunction and inter-pixel correction.

The medical reception device 200 according to the first embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6.

Note that a configuration of the medical reception device 200 accordingto the first embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 6. For example, a communication device for performing communicationwith an external device such as the display device 300 may be furtherincluded as described above. The signal processing circuit 212 controlsdisplay of the display device 300 through, for example, transmission tothe display device 300 via the communication device (not illustrated).

[3-2] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to Second Embodiment

FIG. 7 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example of aconfiguration of a medical endoscope device 100 and a medical receptiondevice 200 according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 7, a hardwareconfiguration of a camera head 104 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 is illustrated, as in FIG. 6.

[3-2-1] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device 100 According toSecond Embodiment

The camera head 104 of the medical endoscope device 100 includes, forexample, a sensor 110, an encoding processing circuit 112, transmitters114A and 114B, a battery 116, and a light source 118.

When the camera head 104 illustrated in FIG. 7 is compared with thecamera head 104 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6,the camera head 104 illustrated in FIG. 7 has a difference of includingtwo transmitters. In addition, configurations and functions of thesensor 110, the encoding processing circuit 112, the battery 116, andthe light source 118 illustrated in FIG. 7 are similar to those of theencoding processing circuit 112, the battery 116, and the light source118 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The transmitter 114A is a circuit that functions as a transmission unitin the medical endoscope device 100 and wirelessly transmitscompression-encoded RAW image data transferred from the encodingprocessing circuit 112, similarly to the transmitter 114 illustrated inFIG. 6.

The transmitter 114B is another circuit that functions as a transmissionunit in the medical endoscope device 100 and transmits additionalinformation. As additional information according to present embodiment,arbitrary data other than RAW image data, for example, one or both ofcontrol information including control commands in accordance withoperations with respect to an operation device (not illustrated)included in the medical endoscope device 100 and remaining amountinformation indicating a remaining amount of the battery 116, or thelike is exemplified.

The medical endoscope device 100 according to the second embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7.

Note that a configuration of the medical endoscope device 100 accordingto the second embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 7.

For example, in the medical endoscope device 100 according to the secondembodiment, one or both of the transmitters 114A and 114B may beprovided as a separated body from the camera head 104, similarly to themedical endoscope device 100 according to the first embodiment.

In addition, the transmitter 114B may transmit additional information inwired communication of an arbitrary communication method.

[3-2-2] Configuration of Medical Reception Device 200 According toSecond Embodiment

The medical reception device 200 includes, for example, receivers 210Aand 210B, and a signal processing circuit 212.

When the medical reception device 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 is comparedwith the medical reception device 200 according to the first embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, the medical reception device 200 illustrated inFIG. 7 has a difference of including two receivers. In addition,functions and configurations of the signal processing circuit 212illustrated in FIG. 7 are similar to functions and configurations of thesignal processing circuit 212 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The receiver 210A is a circuit that functions as a reception unit in themedical reception device 200 and wirelessly receives compression-encodedRAW image data, similarly to the receiver 210 illustrated in FIG. 6. Asthe receiver 210A, a communication device compatible with thetransmitter 114A included in the medical endoscope device 100 isexemplified.

The receiver 210B is another circuit that functions as a reception unitin the medical reception device 200 and wirelessly receives additionalinformation. As the receiver 210B, a communication device compatiblewith the transmitter 114B included in the medical endoscope device 100is exemplified.

The medical reception device 200 according to the second embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7.

Note that a configuration of the medical reception device 200 accordingto the second embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 7.

The medical reception device 200 according to the second embodiment mayfurther include, for example, a communication device for communicatingwith an external device such as the display device 300, similarly to themedical reception device 200 according to the first embodiment.

In addition, the transmitter 114B may receive, for example, additionalinformation in wired communication of an arbitrary communication method.

[3-3] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to Third Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example ofconfigurations of medical endoscope devices 100 and medical receptiondevices 200 according to a third embodiment. In FIG. 8, hardwareconfigurations of camera heads 104 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 are illustrated, as in FIG. 6. In addition, external powersupplies Po1 and Po2 are also illustrated in FIG. 8.

[3-3-1] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device 100 According to ThirdEmbodiment

The camera head 104 included in the medical endoscope device 100illustrated in A of FIG. 8 includes, for example, a sensor 110, anencoding processing circuit 112, a transmitter 114, a battery 116, alight source 118, and a charging/feeding circuit 120A.

In addition, the camera head 104 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 illustrated in B of FIG. 8 includes, for example, a sensor110, an encoding processing circuit 112, a transmitter 114, a battery116, a light source 118, and a charging/feeding circuit 120B.

When the camera heads 104 illustrated in A and B of FIG. 8 are comparedwith the camera head 104 according to the first embodiment illustratedin FIG. 6, there is a difference that the camera heads 104 in A and B ofFIG. 8 have the charging/feeding circuit 120A and the charging/feedingcircuit 120B. In addition, functions and configurations of the sensors110, the encoding processing circuits 112, the transmitters 114, thebatteries 116, and the light sources 118 illustrated in FIG. 8 aresimilar to those of the encoding processing circuit 112, the transmitter114, the battery 116, and the light source 118 illustrated in FIG. 6.

Each of the charging/feeding circuits 120A and 120B is a circuit with afunction of charging the battery 116 with power supplied from anexternal power supply. The charging/feeding circuit 120A charges thebattery 116 with power supplied from a wire-connected external powersupply Po1. In addition, the charging/feeding circuit 120B charges thebattery 116 with power supplied from a wirelessly connected externalpower supply Po2.

In addition, each of the charging/feeding circuits 120A and 120B mayhave a function of supplying power accumulated in the battery 116 to anexternal device.

The medical endoscope device 100 according to the third embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8.

Note that a configuration of the medical endoscope device 100 accordingto the third embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 8. For example, the medical endoscope device 100 according to thethird embodiment may be provided with the transmitters 114 as aseparated body from the camera heads 104, similarly to the medicalendoscope device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[3-3-2] Configuration of Medical Reception Device 200 According to ThirdEmbodiment

The medical reception devices 200 each include, for example, receivers210 and signal processing circuits 212. Functions and configurations ofthe receivers 210 and the signal processing circuits 212 illustrated inFIG. 8 are similar to those of the receiver 210 and the signalprocessing circuit 212 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The medical reception device 200 according to the third embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8.

Note that a configuration of the medical reception device 200 accordingto the third embodiment is not limited to the example of FIG. 8. Forexample, the medical reception device 200 according to the thirdembodiment may further include a communication device for communicatingwith an external device such as the display device 300, similarly to themedical reception device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[3-4] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example ofconfigurations of a medical endoscope device 100 and a medical receptiondevice 200 according to a fourth embodiment. In FIG. 9, a hardwareconfiguration of a camera head 104 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 is illustrated, as in FIG. 6.

[3-4-1] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device 100 According toFourth Embodiment

The camera head 104 included in the medical endoscope device 100includes, for example, a sensor 110, an encoding processing circuit 112,a transmitter 114, a battery 116, and a light source 118.

When the camera head 104 illustrated in FIG. 9 is compared with thecamera head 104 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6,there is a difference that the battery 116 included in the camera head104 illustrated in FIG. 9 is detachable. In addition, functions andconfigurations of the sensor 110, the encoding processing circuit 112,the transmitter 114, the battery 116, and the light source 118illustrated in FIG. 9 are similar to those of the encoding processingcircuit 112, the transmitter 114, the battery 116, and the light source118 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The medical endoscope device 100 according to the fourth embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9.

Note that, a configuration of the medical endoscope device 100 accordingto the fourth embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 9. For example, the medical endoscope device 100 according to thefourth embodiment may be provided with the transmitter 114 a separatebody from the camera head 104, similarly to the medical endoscope device100 according to the first embodiment.

[3-4-2] Configuration of Medical Reception Device 200 According toFourth Embodiment

The medical reception device 200 includes, for example, a receiver 210and a signal processing circuit 212. Configurations and functions of thereceiver 210 and the signal processing circuit 212 illustrated in FIG. 9are similar to those of the receiver 210 and the signal processingcircuit 212 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The medical reception device 200 according to the fourth embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9.

Note that a configuration of the medical reception device 200 accordingto the fourth embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 9. For example, the medical reception device 200 according to thefourth embodiment may further include a communication device forcommunicating with an external device such as the display device 300,similarly to the medical reception device 200 according to the firstembodiment.

[3-5] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example ofconfigurations of a medical endoscope device 100 and a medical receptiondevice 200 according to a fifth embodiment. In FIG. 10, a hardwareconfiguration of a camera head 104 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 is illustrated, as in FIG. 6. In addition, in FIG. 10, abattery 16C that can be attached to the camera head 104 is illustratedtogether.

[3-5-1] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device 100 According to FifthEmbodiment

The camera head 104 included in the medical endoscope device 100includes, for example, a sensor 110, an encoding processing circuit 112,a transmitter 114, batteries 116A and 116B, and a light source 118.

When the camera head 104 illustrated in FIG. 10 is compared with thecamera head 104 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6,there is a difference that the camera head 104 illustrated in FIG. 10includes two batteries. In addition, configurations and functions of thesensor 110, the encoding processing circuit 112, the transmitter 114,and the light source 118 illustrated in FIG. 10 are similar to those ofthe encoding processing circuit 112, the transmitter 114, and the lightsource 118 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The battery 116A is detachable from the camera head 104, similarly tothe battery 116 included in the camera head 104 according to the fourthembodiment illustrated in FIG. 9. That is, in the camera head 104illustrated in FIG. 10, the battery 116A and the battery 116C areinterchangeable.

The battery 116B is a spare battery included in the camera head 104.Since the camera head 104 includes the battery 116B, the medicalendoscope device 100 can replace a battery while operating. In addition,since the camera head 104 includes the battery 116B, a drive time of themedical endoscope device 100 can be extended.

The medical endoscope device 100 according to the fifth embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10.

Note that a configuration of the medical endoscope device 100 accordingto the fifth embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 10. For example, the medical endoscope device 100 according to thefifth embodiment may be provided with the transmitter 114 as a separatebody from the camera head 104, similarly to the medical endoscope device100 according to the first embodiment.

[3-5-2] Configuration of Medical Reception Device 200 According to theFifth Embodiment

The medical reception device 200 includes, for example, a receiver 210and a signal processing circuit 212. Configurations and functions of thereceiver 210 and the signal processing circuit 212 illustrated in FIG.10 are similar to those of the receiver 210 and the signal processingcircuit 212 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The medical reception device 200 according to the fifth embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10.

Note that a configuration of the medical reception device 200 accordingto the fifth embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 10. For example, the medical reception device 200 according to thefifth embodiment may further include a communication device forcommunicating with an external device such as the display device 300,similarly to the medical reception device 200 according to the firstembodiment.

[3-6] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 11 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example ofconfigurations of a medical endoscope device 100 and a medical receptiondevice 200 according to a sixth embodiment. In FIG. 11, a hardwareconfiguration of a camera head 104 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 is illustrated, as in FIG. 6.

[3-6-1] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device 100 According to SixthEmbodiment

The camera head 104 included in the medical endoscope device 100includes, for example, a sensor 110, an encoding processing circuit 112,transmitters 114A and 114B, a battery 116, and a light source 118.

When the camera head 104 illustrated in FIG. 11 is compared with thecamera head 104 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6,there is a difference that the camera head 104 illustrated in FIG. 11includes two transmitters. In addition, configurations and functions ofthe sensor 110, the encoding processing circuit 112, the battery 116,and the light source 118 illustrated in FIG. 11 are similar to those ofthe encoding processing circuit 112, the battery 116, and the lightsource 118 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The transmitter 114A is a circuit that functions as a transmission unitin the medical endoscope device 100, and wirelessly transmitscompression-encoded RAW image data transferred from the encodingprocessing circuit 112, similarly to the transmitter 114 illustrated inFIG. 6.

The transmitter 114B is another circuit that functions as a transmissionunit in the medical endoscope device 100, and transmitscompression-encoded RAW image data transferred from the encodingprocessing circuit 112 in a wired manner.

The medical endoscope device 100 according to the sixth embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11. With theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, even in anenvironment in which it is difficult to wirelessly transmitcompression-encoded RAW image data, the medical endoscope device 100 cantransmit the compression-encoded RAW image data in arbitrary wiredcommunication.

Note that a configuration of the medical endoscope device 100 accordingto the sixth embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 11. For example, the medical endoscope device 100 according to thesixth embodiment may be provided with one or both of the transmitters114A and 114B as a separate body from the camera head 104, similarly tothe medical endoscope device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[3-6-2] Configuration of Medical Reception Device 200 According to SixthEmbodiment

The medical reception device 200 includes, for example, receivers 210Aand 210B, and a signal processing circuit 214.

When the medical reception device 200 illustrated in FIG. 11 is comparedwith the medical reception device 200 according to the first embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, there are differences that the medical receptiondevice 200 illustrated in FIG. 11 has two receivers and the signalprocessing circuit 214 has a different function.

The receiver 210A is a circuit that functions as a reception unit in themedical reception device 200, and wirelessly receivescompression-encoded RAW image data, similarly to the receiver 210illustrated in FIG. 6. As the receiver 210A, a communication devicecorresponding to the transmitter 114A included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 is exemplified.

The receiver 210B is another circuit that functions as a reception unitin the medical reception device 200, and receives compression-encodedRAW image data in a wired manner. As the receiver 210B, a communicationdevice corresponding to the transmitter 114B included in the medicalendoscope device 100 is exemplified.

The signal processing circuit 214 processes compression-encoded RAWimage data received by the receiver 210A or compression-encoded RAWimage data received by the receiver 210B. The signal processing circuit214 processes received compression-encoded RAW image data, similarly tothe signal processing circuit 212 according to the first embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6.

Here, the signal processing circuit 214 performs processes at each setpredetermined period, for example. The predetermined period may be apreset fixed period or a variable period that can be changed inaccordance with an operation with respect to an operation device such asa remote controller, or the like. In addition, the signal processingcircuit 214 processes either RAW image data first transferred at aprocess start timing of compression-encoded RAW image data transferredfrom the receiver 210A and compression-encoded RAW image datatransferred from the receiver 210B.

Note that an example of a process performed by the signal processingcircuit 214 is not limited to the above-described example. For example,the signal processing circuit 214 may process RAW image data of thecompression-encoded RAW image data transferred at the process starttiming with a higher signal level.

The medical reception device 200 according to the sixth embodiment has,for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11.

Note that a configuration of the medical reception device 200 accordingto the sixth embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 11. For example, the medical reception device 200 according to thesixth embodiment may further include a communication device forcommunicating with an external device such as the display device 300,similarly to the medical reception device 200 according to the firstembodiment.

[3-7] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device and Medical ReceptionDevice According to Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a diagram of hardware blocks illustrating an example ofconfigurations of a medical endoscope device 100 and a medical receptiondevice 200 according to a seventh embodiment. In FIG. 12, a hardwareconfiguration of a camera head 104 included in the medical endoscopedevice 100 is illustrated, as in FIG. 6.

[3-7-1] Configuration of Medical Endoscope Device 100 According toSeventh Embodiment

The camera head 104 included in the medical endoscope device 100includes, for example, a sensor 110, an encoding processing circuit 112,a transmitter 114, a battery 116, and a light source 118.

Functions and configurations of the sensor 110, the encoding processingcircuit 112, the transmitter 114, the battery 116, and the light source118 illustrated in FIG. 12 are similar to those of the encodingprocessing circuit 112, the transmitter 114, the battery 116, and thelight source 118 illustrated in FIG. 6.

The medical endoscope device 100 according to the seventh embodimenthas, for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12.

Note that a configuration of the medical endoscope device 100 accordingto the seventh embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 12. For example, the medical endoscope device 100 according to theseventh embodiment may be provided with the transmitter 114 as aseparate body from the camera head 104, similarly to the medicalendoscope device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[3-7-2] Configuration of Medical Reception Device 200 According toSeventh Embodiment

The medical reception device 200 includes, for example, receivers 210A,. . . , and 210N, and a signal processing circuit 214.

When the medical reception device 200 illustrated in FIG. 12 is comparedwith the medical reception device 200 according to the first embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, there is a difference that the medical receptiondevice 200 illustrated in FIG. 12 has two or more receivers and thesignal processing circuit 214 has a different function.

Each of the receivers 210A, . . . , and 210N is a circuit that functionsas a reception unit in the medical reception device 200 and wirelesslyreceives compression-encoded RAW image data, similarly to the receiver210 illustrated in FIG. 6. As each of the receivers 210A, . . . , and210N, a communication device corresponding to the transmitter 114Aincluded in the medical endoscope device 100 is exemplified.

The signal processing circuit 214 processes any RAW image data ofcompression-encoded RAW image data received by each of the receivers210A, . . . , and 210N. The signal processing circuit 214 processes anyRAW image data of compression-encoded RAW image data received by each ofthe receivers 210A, . . . , and 210N, for example, similarly to thesignal processing circuit 214 according to the sixth embodimentillustrated in FIG. 11.

The medical reception device 200 according to the seventh embodimenthas, for example, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12. Since themedical reception device 200 includes the plurality of receivers, radiowave environments for transmission and reception of compression-encodedRAW image data can be improved.

Note that, a configuration of the medical reception device 200 accordingto the seventh embodiment is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG. 12.

For example, the medical reception device 200 according to the seventhembodiment may further include a communication device for communicatingwith an external device such as the display device 300, similarly to themedical reception device 200 according to the first embodiment.

In addition, the medical reception device 200 according to the seventhembodiment may also can process compression-encoded RAW image datareceived using an external antenna. The signal processing circuit 214processes, for example, compression-encoded RAW image data receivedusing the included receivers or compression-encoded RAW image datareceived using an external antenna. In this case, the medical receptiondevice 200 according to the seventh embodiment may not include aplurality of receivers.

External antennas can be provided in various places in the medicalsites, for example, trocars, beds, shadowless light, and the like.

[4] Example of Effects Exhibited when Medical Observation SystemsAccording to Present Embodiment is Used

The following effects, for example, can be exhibited when the medicalobservation systems according to the present embodiments are used. Notethat, it is a matter of course that effects to be exhibited when themedical observation systems according to the present embodiments areused are not limited to the following examples.

A size of data to be transmitted can be further reduced bycompression-encoding RAW image data. Thus, a low transmission speed orlow-compressed high image quality is realized.

Since medical captured images can be compression-encoded by smallerpredetermined units by using the compression-encoding method accordingto the present embodiments, for example, compression with lower latencyin which the delay time is far shorter than 1 [msec] can be realized.

Since compression-encoded RAW image data is wirelessly transmitted, itis possible to perform image processing such as the demosaic process ina reception side device. That is, it is not necessary for a medicalendoscope device (a transmission side device) having a camera head toinclude a signal processing circuit that performs the demosaic process.Therefore, power consumption of the medical endoscope device (atransmission side device) having the camera head can be further reduced.

Since power consumption of the medical endoscope device is furtherreduced and it is not necessary to include a signal processing circuitthat performs the demosaic process, for example, miniaturization of thesize of a battery and miniaturization and a light weight of the camerahead can be achieved.

Although the medical endoscope device (a transmission side device)having the camera head is demanded to achieve lower power consumption,miniaturization, and heating prevention, for example, the demands can besatisfied more easily if the medical observation systems according tothe present embodiments is used.

(Program According to Present Embodiments)

When a program for causing a computer to function as the medicalendoscope device according to the present embodiments (e.g., a programfor causing the computer to function as an encoding processing unit anda transmission unit, in other words, a program by which the processes ofthe transmission methods according to the present embodiments can beexecuted) is executed by a processor of the computer or the like, imagedata indicating a compression-encoded medical captured image can betransmitted with low latency.

In addition, when the program for causing a computer to function as themedical endoscope devices according to the present embodiments isexecuted by a processor of the computer or the like, effects exhibitedby performing the processes of the above-described transmission methodsaccording to the present embodiments can be exhibited.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Although it has been described above that, for example, the program(computer program) for causing the computer to function as the medicalendoscope devices according to the present embodiments is provided, thepresent embodiments can also provide a recording medium in which theprogram is stored therealong.

The above-described configurations are examples of the presentembodiments, and of course belong to the technical scope of the presentdisclosure.

Further, the effects described in this specification are merelyillustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative. That is,with or in the place of the above effects, the technology according tothe present disclosure may achieve other effects that are clear to thoseskilled in the art from the description of this specification.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

-   (1) A medical endoscope device including:

an encoding processing unit configured to compression-encode RAW imagedata of a medical captured image of an observation target captured by animaging device that is inserted into a body of a patient and captures animage of an inside of the body; and

a transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit thecompression-encoded RAW image data.

-   (2) The medical endoscope device according to (1),

in which the encoding processing unit compression-encodes the RAW imagedata at a plurality of different compression ratios, and

the transmission unit transmits the compression-encoded RAW image datacorresponding to a wireless transmission state, of the RAW image datacompression-encoded at the plurality of compression ratios.

-   (3) The medical endoscope device according to (1), in which the    transmission unit transmits the compression-encoded RAW image data    at different frequencies.-   (4) The medical endoscope device according to (3), in which the    transmission unit transmits the compression-encoded RAW image data    at different frequencies at a same time.-   (5) The medical endoscope device according to (3), in which the    transmission unit transmits the compression-encoded RAW image data    at one of a plurality of frequencies.-   (6) The medical endoscope device according to (5), in which the    transmission unit transmits the compression-encoded RAW image data    at a frequency corresponding to a wireless transmission state.-   (7) The medical endoscope device according to (5) or (6), in which    the transmission unit transmits the compression-encoded RAW image    data at a frequency corresponding to an operation state of a    predetermined medical apparatus.-   (8) The medical endoscope device according to any one of (1) to (7),    in which the encoding processing unit performs compression-encoding    at a compression ratio corresponding to a state of electronic zoom    of the imaging device.-   (9) The medical endoscope device according to (1),

in which the encoding processing unit compression-encodes each of firstRAW image data of a medical captured image for a right eye and secondRAW image data of a medical captured image for a left eye, and

the transmission unit wirelessly transmits each of thecompression-encoded first RAW image data and the compression-encodedsecond RAW image data.

-   (10) The medical endoscope device according to (9), in which the    transmission unit stops transmission of the compression-encoded    first RAW image data or the compression-encoded second RAW image    data on a basis of a wireless transmission state.-   (11) The medical endoscope device according to any one of (1) to    (10), in which the transmission unit further transmits additional    information.-   (12) The medical endoscope device according to (1), in which the    encoding processing unit changes a way of compression-encoding of    the RAW image data on a basis of a wireless transmission state.-   (13) The medical endoscope device according to any one of (1) to    (12), in which the transmission unit further transmits the    compression-encoded RAW image data in a wired manner.-   (14) The medical endoscope device according to any one of (1) to    (13),

in which the encoding processing unit compression-encodes the RAW imagedata by a predetermined unit that is smaller than the medical capturedimage, and

the transmission unit transmits the RAW image data compression-encodedby the predetermined unit.

-   (15) The medical endoscope device according to any one of (1) to    (14), in which the encoding processing unit compression-encodes the    RAW image data without performing a demosaic process.-   (16) A medical reception device including:

a reception unit configured to wirelessly receive compression-encodedRAW image data obtained by compression-encoding RAW image data of amedical captured image of an observation target captured by an imagingdevice that is inserted into a body of a patient and captures an imageof an inside of the body; and

a signal processing unit configured to process the receivedcompression-encoded RAW image data.

-   (17) The medical reception device according to (16), in which the    signal processing unit processes the compression-encoded RAW image    data received by the reception unit or the compression-encoded RAW    image data received by an external antenna.-   (18) A medical observation system including:

a medical endoscope device including

an encoding processing unit configured to compression-encode RAW imagedata of a medical captured image of an observation target captured by animaging device that is inserted into a body of a patient and captures animage of an inside of the body, and

a transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit thecompression-encoded RAW image data; and

a medical reception device including

a reception unit configured to wirelessly receive thecompression-encoded RAW image data, and

a signal processing unit configured to process the receivedcompression-encoded RAW image data.

-   (19) The medical observation system according to (18),

in which the encoding processing unit of the medical endoscope devicecompression-encodes the RAW image data without performing a demosaicprocess, and

the signal processing unit of the medical reception device performs thedemosaic process on the compression-encoded RAW image data received bythe reception unit or the compression-encoded RAW image data received byan external antenna.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical endoscope device comprising: anencoding processing unit configured to compression-encode RAW image dataof a medical captured image of an observation target captured by animaging device that is inserted into a body of a patient and captures animage of an inside of the body; and a transmission unit configured towirelessly transmit the compression-encoded RAW image data.
 2. Themedical endoscope device according to claim 1, wherein the encodingprocessing unit compression-encodes the RAW image data at a plurality ofdifferent compression ratios, and the transmission unit transmits thecompression-encoded RAW image data corresponding to a wirelesstransmission state, of the RAW image data compression-encoded at theplurality of compression ratios.
 3. The medical endoscope deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits thecompression-encoded RAW image data at different frequencies.
 4. Themedical endoscope device according to claim 3, wherein the transmissionunit transmits the compression-encoded RAW image data at differentfrequencies at a same time.
 5. The medical endoscope device according toclaim 3, wherein the transmission unit transmits the compression-encodedRAW image data at one of a plurality of frequencies.
 6. The medicalendoscope device according to claim 5, wherein the transmission unittransmits the compression-encoded RAW image data at a frequencycorresponding to a wireless transmission state.
 7. The medical endoscopedevice according to claim 5, wherein the transmission unit transmits thecompression-encoded RAW image data at a frequency corresponding to anoperation state of a predetermined medical apparatus.
 8. The medicalendoscope device according to claim 1, wherein the encoding processingunit performs compression-encoding at a compression ratio correspondingto a state of electronic zoom of the imaging device.
 9. The medicalendoscope device according to claim 1, wherein the encoding processingunit compression-encodes each of first RAW image data of a medicalcaptured image for a right eye and second RAW image data of a medicalcaptured image for a left eye, and the transmission unit wirelesslytransmits each of the compression-encoded first RAW image data and thecompression-encoded second RAW image data.
 10. The medical endoscopedevice according to claim 9, wherein the transmission unit stopstransmission of the compression-encoded first RAW image data or thecompression-encoded second RAW image data on a basis of a wirelesstransmission state.
 11. The medical endoscope device according to claim1, wherein the transmission unit further transmits additionalinformation.
 12. The medical endoscope device according to claim 1,wherein the encoding processing unit changes a way ofcompression-encoding of the RAW image data on a basis of a wirelesstransmission state.
 13. The medical endoscope device according to claim1, wherein the transmission unit further transmits thecompression-encoded RAW image data in a wired manner.
 14. The medicalendoscope device according to claim 1, wherein the encoding processingunit compression-encodes the RAW image data by a predetermined unit thatis smaller than the medical captured image, and the transmission unittransmits the RAW image data compression-encoded by the predeterminedunit.
 15. The medical endoscope device according to claim 1, wherein theencoding processing unit compression-encodes the RAW image data withoutperforming a demosaic process.
 16. A medical reception devicecomprising: a reception unit configured to wirelessly receivecompression-encoded RAW image data obtained by compression-encoding RAWimage data of a medical captured image of an observation target capturedby an imaging device that is inserted into a body of a patient andcaptures an image of an inside of the body; and a signal processing unitconfigured to process the received compression-encoded RAW image data.17. The medical reception device according to claim 16, wherein thesignal processing unit processes the compression-encoded RAW image datareceived by the reception unit or the compression-encoded RAW image datareceived by an external antenna.
 18. A medical observation systemcomprising: a medical endoscope device including an encoding processingunit configured to compression-encode RAW image data of a medicalcaptured image of an observation target captured by an imaging devicethat is inserted into a body of a patient and captures an image of aninside of the body, and a transmission unit configured to wirelesslytransmit the compression-encoded RAW image data; and a medical receptiondevice including a reception unit configured to wirelessly receive thecompression-encoded RAW image data, and a signal processing unitconfigured to process the received compression-encoded RAW image data.19. The medical observation system according to claim 18, wherein theencoding processing unit of the medical endoscope devicecompression-encodes the RAW image data without performing a demosaicprocess, and the signal processing unit of the medical reception deviceperforms the demosaic process on the compression-encoded RAW image datareceived by the reception unit or the compression-encoded RAW image datareceived by an external antenna.